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Art Tales: Not a Box

Age 4 through Grade 1

We will offer a selection of in-person and virtual field trips (using Zoom) for winter/spring 2024.

Requests for winter/spring field trips (January 8 – May 31, 2024) will be accepted from December 1, 2023 – April 5, 2024.

Art Tales is a field trip designed for our youngest learners. This field trip includes the reading of Not a Box by author Antoinette Portis, an exploration of two works of art, and an art-making experience.

Book Summary

In Not a Box, a rabbit uses its imagination to transform a cardboard box into a race car, a robot, and a spaceship. With a bit of creativity, the ordinary becomes extraordinary!

Looking and Learning Skills

During the Art Tales: Not a Box field trip, students will discover how artists use their imaginations and draw inspiration from the world around them to create modern sculptures and paintings. On this field trip, students will:

• Observe, describe, compare, and contrast works of art.
• Create a three-dimensional multimedia work of art.
• Feel a sense of belonging in a museum setting.

In-Person Field Trip Information

Group Size: Up to 60 students
Length: 60 minutes 
Meeting Location: East Building Atrium

Virtual Field Trip Information

Length: 60 minutes
Materials needed: cardboard box, glue/tape, crayons.

Important Scheduling Information

Field trips must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance. Groups must contain at least 15 students.

Once your field trip has been scheduled, you will receive an email confirmation within ten business days.

Title I Bus Stipends

Funding for the cost of bus transportation is available for Title I schools that participate in our docent-led school field trips. For more information, please get in touch with Deirdre Palmer at [email protected] or (202) 842-6880, or use the application form.

Examples of Works Featured on Field Trip

Additional National Gallery Resources

Related Resources